A week ago, it looked like safety Ed Reed would never return to the Baltimore Ravens after taking a private jet to visit with the Houston Texans. Now, there's increased optimism that he could come back to Baltimore.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday that he was "very hopeful" on the team's chances of re-signing Reed.

"On the hopeful scale I’d say it’s of high hope," Harbaugh said at the NFL owners meetings Tuesday. "It’s high on the measuring stick. We’ll just have to see how it works out.”

Contrary to previous reports, Reed is not close to a deal with the Texans, according to The Houston Chronicle. The paper is reporting the Texans offered Reed $4 million a year, which is far below his asking price of $6-$7 million per season.

Reed's agent is in the process of contacting other teams, but it seems like the Ravens would have a chance to match any offer given his ties to the team. Harbaugh has kept in contact with Reed through text messages this offseason.

"Ed and I are very close and I know he would tell you the same," Harbaugh said. "Our relationship has just blossomed. It’s been good, but this year with Ed especially, we really just got close."

Harbaugh said he doesn't feel Reed is close to making a decision. Beyond that, he's not making any prediction about Reed, only saying that he has his fingers crossed.